Lou Reed Dies: Iconic Rock Star Dead At 71

So sad! One of the most influential figures in rock ‘n’ roll history passed away on Oct. 27. He was 71 years old.

Lou Reed, the founder of the influential alt-rock band The Velvet Underground, died on Oct. 27. The cause of his death has not yet been released.

Lou Reed: Rock Legend Dies At 71

Lou was 71 years old, and had recently undergone a liver transplant in May 2013, according to Rolling Stone. And in July he was hospitalized for severe dehydration.

He is one of the biggest names in music history alongside Bob Dylan and John Lennon. He revolutionized rock ‘n’ roll in the late Sixties by marrying grungy alternative rock with avant-garde concepts, and is often credited with spawning the punk rock movement. He also employed a lyrical honesty that had never been heard before with his band The Velvet Underground and later as a solo artist.

He never stopped making music, keeping his fans on their toes and proving that he was one of the most dynamic innovators in music, collaborating with other creative geniuses like Andy Warhol and Nico, and more recently Damon Albarn and the band Gorillaz.

His influence on the genre is unmistakable, as his innovation spurned other stars like David Bowie, R.E.M., and even The Strokes.

Lou was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of The Velvet Underground in 1996.

He is survived by his wife Laurie Anderson, a performance artist who frequently collaborated with him as well. They had been married since 2008.

It is absolutely heartbreaking to see such a legend go. No doubt he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family during this difficult time.